Excessive sweating is taking over your life, causing stress and creating unnecessary expenses. But that’s about to change now that you’ve decided to take the first step to end it for good. You’re on the way to your MiraDry procedure.
Much like others who are now enjoying a sweat-free life, you’re a bit anxious about the treatment, especially the recovery period. Don’t worry, it is natural to feel this way. To help ease these stressful thoughts, we’ve prepared a 72-hour MiraDry recovery roadmap outlining what to expect after treatment and practical advice to support your recovery.
MiraDry is the only TGA-approved treatment for sweating, odour, and hair. It’s easy, effective, and practical because you only need one session. Recovery after MiraDry is not “bed rest,” but rather “ice pack and Netflix.” Minimal downtime, quick recovery. Most patients are back to work and their usual routines within 4 hours!
At Dr Refresh, we don’t just perform MiraDry procedures; we guide our patients to full recovery. We’re the only dermatologist-led clinic specialising in MiraDry treatment. Our clinical specialist staff is here to guide you on your journey to a stress and sweat-free life.
The First 24 Hours: The “Bagel” and the Numbness
The first 24 hours are an important period in the recovery process.
Immediate Post-Op
You will experience what dermatologists call the “bagel” effect, which refers to localised swelling in the armpit. You don’t need to worry; this is an expected effect, and it indicates that the microwave energy worked.
Numbing Wear-Off
Your armpit will feel numb for a few hours due to the local anaesthesia. The numbness will eventually wear off, and you will feel a slight discomfort.
The Ice Pack Protocol
To relieve discomfort and swelling, apply an ice pack to the area. The rule is to leave the ice pack on for 20 minutes and remove it for 20 minutes. Repeat as needed until the pain and discomfort subside.
Activity Level
Although you can resume regular activities immediately after a miraDry procedure, it’s best to keep it light. This means no heavy lifting and no strenuous exercise. Walking and normal arm movement are fine.
24 to 48 Hours: Managing Tenderness and “Lumpiness”
Tenderness and lumpiness are common during the initial 2 days after MiraDry. These will eventually go away with very little effort.
The Feeling
Most patients describe it as holding a small tennis ball under their arm. This is the peak of the swelling, so expect the area to be tender and slightly painful. Your arms will feel heavy, but you can still move them without effort.
Pain Management
You may take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications under our staff’s direction to relieve swelling and pain.
Hygiene
Go ahead and take a shower! We recommend using a gentle cleanser and avoid scrubbing the area. A cold shower can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve circulation [1].
The “No Deodorant” Rule
It’s best to avoid applying deodorant for the first few days after the procedure to allow the skin to settle [2]. The chemicals in deodorants can irritate skin and interfere with healing.
48 to 72 Hours: Turning the Corner
Notably, swelling begins to subside after the third day. Tenderness is replaced with tightness and the feeling of having a “sore muscle.”
The Shift
Skin in the area begins to heal as swelling subsides and tenderness gives way to tightness. You can hardly feel the tennis ball that used to be under your arms now, and you move towards complete recovery.
Returning to Routine
At this point, most people feel they are 100% ready to resume a full day of work or return to their regular routines and social activities.
Exercise Warning
Although you feel ready to return to your daily routines, please skip strenuous exercise, such as high-intensity cardio or heavy upper-body gym sessions. Give your lymphatic system a few more days to adjust, and let your body fully recover.
Dr Refresh’s Dermatologist Tips for an Accelerated Recovery
Your full recovery is our priority. Remember these critical tips to ensure fast and easy recovery.
Clothing Choice
Keep your armpits comfortable by wearing loose clothing for the first 72 hours after recovery. Consider wearing dark-coloured clothing if there is oozing or to hide the swelling.
Sleep Position
Sleep with your head and shoulders propped up or on your back. This helps reduce fluid buildup, relieve swelling and discomfort, and promote faster recovery.
Hydration
Drink more fluids during your recovery. Water helps flush out deactivated glands and can reduce swelling and tenderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I feel little lumps under my skin?
These little lumps under the skin are small areas of inflammation and are normal after the procedure. These usually resolve over a few weeks.
Q: My armpits feel numb/tingly weeks later. Should I worry?
There’s no need to worry about numbness and tingling, even weeks after the procedure. This is a common side effect of MiraDry and is only temporary.
Q: When can I go back to the gym?
You can resume light workouts usually after 4 to 7 days and heavy lifting only after two weeks.
Q: Is the hair gone immediately?
You will experience immediate hair reduction after the procedure, but most hairs go through a “shedding phase” over the next few weeks as the destroyed hair follicles release them naturally.
Make a Booking With Dr Refresh Today
A brief 72 hours of mild discomfort leads to long-term freedom from sweat, odour, and unwanted hair. With practical recovery strategies, your MiraDry experience will be seamless and stress-free.
Dr Refresh is just a phone call away for post-procedure recovery support. Our clinical specialists will be available to guide you through the process to ensure a fast, effective recovery.
Don’t let the fear of downtime hold you back from a sweat-free future. Book your MiraDry treatment at Dr Refresh today and start your 72-hour countdown to freedom.
References
[1] WebMD – What to Know About the Benefits of a Cold Shower vs. a Hot Shower
[2] miraDry – Pre & Post Care
